Neonate questions

[shaunaroxanne]

I currently have 5 panther neonates, the oldest is 4 days and the youngest is a few hours old. They all appear strong and healthy, but I haven't been able to observe any of them eating. I have seen them drink, but not eat. I have fruit flies and pinheads in their baby bin. I haven't found any poop yet either. Should I worry or would they be weak if they weren't eating?

One more thing, I have one who is clearly a bully. He climbs on everyone and I have even seen him try to bite the others. He's not the biggest, he may even be the smallest, he is 2 days old. Should I separate him from the others or will they be ok together?

 

[pssh]

If he is nipping, separate him. He could take off part of anothers tail (resulting in the discounted "nip-tail" babies you see for sale.) Sometimes they take a few days to finish absorbing the rest if their yolks and then they will eat.

 

[lysinlight87]

my baby's a 'nip-tail', didn't realise there was a name for it! didn't get a discount though

 

[pssh]

I bet he's a looker then!

 

[Texas Panther Man]

I personally dont start seperating until I see some growth. Min of 2 -3 weeks. Thats just me, its up to you as the breeder to seperate them at the approp times. As far as them not eatting thats fairly normal with new born hatchlings. They will eat just give it some time. As long as they are drinking and staying hydrated they will eventually start eatting.

 

[shaunaroxanne]

Thanks, everyone. The bully ended up being a punk when the others started fighting back! He hasn't been picking on anyone lately. Still haven't "witnessed" any eating, but I found poop so they must be doing it when I'm not looking. 7 hatched, 30 to go

 

[shaunaroxanne]

I personally dont start seperating until I see some growth. Min of 2 -3 weeks. Thats just me, its up to you as the breeder to seperate them at the approp times. As far as them not eatting thats fairly normal with new born hatchlings. They will eat just give it some time. As long as they are drinking and staying hydrated they will eventually start eatting.

You were right, TPM! They are eating today!!

 

[Chameleons Northwest]

That's a relief. Keep an eye out for bullies as the weeks/months go on. We generally have to separate a few folks who intimidate the others from eating and basking. it is not unusual to have a few chams that grow far more quickly than the others. I mean that they can be at least twice the size. They need to be separated and fed larger food. You will go broke trying to feed pinheads to the biggest dudes. But you shouldn't have to worry about this during the first 6-8 weeks.

 

[djfishygillz]

I would suggest that if you only have four or five babies and they are already walking over each other I would suggest a bigger cage. I use a 60 gallon with tons of branches to house my babies so they don't bug each other. But they will always walk over each other at least to some extent in my opinion. I don't think they are bullies they are just moving around.

 

[Texas Panther Man]

You were right, TPM! They are eating today!!

Thats great! Yeah I used to worry too. After you have 4-5 clutches under your belt you'll stop worrying. lol